Career Development

Question 1

Super’s Developmental Self-Concept Theory

Answer 1

• Vocational development is the process of developing and implementing a self-concept.
• As the self-concept becomes more realistic and stable, so does vocational choice and behavior.
• People choose occupations that permit them to express their self-concepts.
• Work satisfaction is related to the degree that they’ve been able to implement their self-concepts.

Question 2

Exploration Stage

Answer 2

• Mid teens through early 20’s
• major tasks are to develop a realistic self-concept and implement a vocational preference though role tryouts and exploration
• there is a gradual narrowing of choices leading to implementation of a preference.
• Preferences become CHOICES when acted upon.

Question 3

Exploration Sub-Stages

Answer 3

• Tentative (15-17)
• Crystallization of Preference (18-21 years old)
• Specifying a Vocational Preference (early 20’s)

Question 4

Tentative Sub-Stage

Answer 4

• 15-17 years old
• tentative choices incorporating needs, interests, abilities are tried out in fantasy, coursework, part time work, volunteer, shadowing
  *

Question 5

Crystallization of Preference Sub-Stage

Answer 5

• 18-21 years old
• General preference is converted into specific choice.
• Reality dominates as one enters the job market or training after high school.
• Choosing a college major or field of training.

Question 6

Specifying a Vocational Preference Sub-Stage

Answer 6

• early 20’s
• trial/little commitment
• first job is tried out as life’s work but the implemented choice is provisional and person may cycle back through crystallizing and specifying if not appropriate.

Question 7

Establishment Stage

Answer 7

• mid 20’s through mid 40’s
• major tasks are to find secure niche in one’s field and advance within it

Question 8

Establishment Sub-Stages

Answer 8

• Trial and Stabilization (25-30 years old)
• Advancement (30-40 years old)

Question 9

Trial and Stabilization Sub-Stage

Answer 9

• 25-30 years old
• process of settling down, if unsatisfactory may make 1-2 more changes before the right job is found

Question 10

Advancement Sub-Stage

Answer 10

• 30-40
• efforts directed at securing one’s position, acquiring seniority, developing skills, demonstrating superior performance, resume building actions.

Question 11

Maintenance Stage

Answer 11

• 40’s through early 60’s
• Major task is to preserve one’s gains and develop non-occupational roles for things one always wanted to do
• Little new ground is broken, one continues established work patterns. One faces competition from younger workers
• Could be a plateau.

Question 12

Implications for Super’s

Answer 12

• Direct work experiences are vital. Try on roles in real worlds of work.
• Supers developmental view of career development in the context of the self allows for changes over time.